Philosophical Teaching (Row)
1. Phase Lens
2. Problem/Solution Lens
3. DISCOVERY Lens
4. Influence/Impact Lens
5. Truth/Reality Lens
6. Value/Purpose Lens
7. Adaptive/Evolutionary Lens
8. Integrative/Unified Lens
9. Consciousness Lens
1. Materialism/Physicalism
Materialism aligns with the Emerging Phase, focusing on the fundamental, observable (physical) genesis of reality, laying the groundwork for further structuring.
Materialism views problems as material conditions or energy imbalances, with solutions found in empirical observation and physical intervention to restore equilibrium.
Materialism's DISCOVERY process is empirical, focusing on sensory data and experimental verification of physical laws.
Materialism's influence is profound in driving technological advancement and shaping societal reliance on observable, quantifiable phenomena.
Materialism defines Truth/Reality as objective, externally verifiable phenomena, independent of subjective consciousness.
Materialism views purpose as emergent from physical processes, with values derived from observable outcomes that enhance material well-being.
Materialism views adaptation as the physical evolution of species and systems through natural selection and environmental interaction, driven by material forces.
Materialism seeks integration through the unified laws of physics and the interconnectedness of all physical phenomena, explaining complexity through fundamental material components.
Materialism views consciousness as an emergent property of complex physical brains and neural networks, entirely reducible to material processes.
2. Idealism/Consciousness-first
Idealism broadly aligns with the Imbuing Phase, as it posits consciousness or mind imbuing reality with its fundamental nature or purpose.
Idealism frames problems as arising from fragmented perception, solvable by aligning with a higher, unified consciousness.
Idealism's DISCOVERY process involves introspection and conceptual analysis to reveal the mind's role in shaping reality.
Idealism's influence is seen in its emphasis on the power of ideas and beliefs to shape perceived reality and drive societal change from conceptual frameworks.
Idealism defines Truth/Reality as fundamentally mental or spiritual, where the external world is a manifestation of consciousness.
Idealism's purpose is to align individual and collective consciousness with higher ideals, fostering spiritual and conceptual evolution towards greater harmony.
Idealism views Adaptation as the refinement of conceptual frameworks or the evolution of consciousness towards a more perfect ideal, transforming perceived disorder.
Idealism seeks integration through the unity of consciousness itself, where all distinctions are ultimately reconciled within a single, encompassing mind or spiritual reality.
Idealism posits consciousness as primary and fundamental to reality, viewing all existence as a manifestation of mind or spirit, with deeper awareness leading to higher truth.
3. Systems Theory/Holism
Systems Theory's emphasis on interconnectedness aligns with the Structuring Phase, creating frameworks that organize complex wholes.
Systems Theory views problems as systemic dysfunctions or misalignments, solved by identifying feedback loops and interdependencies.
Systems Theory embodies DISCOVERY by revealing interconnected patterns and emergent properties beyond isolated components.
Systems Theory's influence is seen in its capacity to model complex societal and natural systems, fostering understanding of collective behavior and emergent phenomena.
Systems Theory defines Truth/Reality as emergent properties and dynamic relationships within interconnected wholes, emphasizing functional coherence over static parts.
Systems Theory views purpose as inherent in the optimal functioning and self-regulation of complex, interconnected wholes, aiming for systemic balance.
Systems Theory views Adaptation as an intrinsic feature of complex systems, where continuous feedback and learning enable resilience and evolution.
Systems Theory seeks integration by meticulously mapping interdependencies and feedback loops to unify disparate components into a cohesive, functional whole.
Systems Theory views consciousness as an emergent property of complex, self-organizing systems, arising from intricate feedback loops and interactions within the whole.
4. Process Philosophy
Process Philosophy inherently aligns with the Synthesizing Phase, as it views reality as a continuous unfolding of events and transformations.
Process Philosophy frames problems as arising from resistance to change or clinging to static states, with solutions found in embracing dynamism and fluid adaptation.
Process Philosophy's DISCOVERY involves observing the continuous unfolding of events and transformations as primary reality.
Process Philosophy emphasizes the influence of every transient event on the future becoming of reality, highlighting the fluidity of impact over fixed states.
Process Philosophy defines Truth/Reality as the ongoing, dynamic process of becoming, where existence is perpetually in flux rather than a static state.
Process Philosophy views purpose as inherent in the directionality of ongoing processes, where values emerge from the continuous flow and development of reality.
Process Philosophy views Adaptation as an intrinsic feature of becoming, where systems continually adjust and redefine themselves through ongoing change.
Process Philosophy achieves Integration by recognizing that all entities and events are fundamentally interconnected and interdependent within a unified, dynamic cosmic process.
Process Philosophy views Consciousness as an emergent property of complex, evolving processes, itself a dynamic and relational flow.
5. Pragmatism
Pragmatism aligns with the Integrating Phase, as it focuses on reconciling diverse ideas through practical application for coherence and utility.
Pragmatism views problems as practical obstacles or inefficiencies, with solutions derived from adaptive experimentation and successful consequences.
Pragmatism's DISCOVERY is driven by utility, where knowledge is gained through active engagement and experimentation to solve real-world problems.
Pragmatism's influence is rooted in its emphasis on practical, useful outcomes, driving adaptive action and problem-solving in real-world contexts.
Pragmatism defines Truth/Reality as what is useful and verifiable through practical experience and adaptive action.
Pragmatism's purpose is to guide action toward effective solutions and valued outcomes, viewing ideas instrumentally for their practical consequences.
Pragmatism inherently embodies Adaptation, defining truth and meaning through the continuous adjustment of beliefs and actions based on their practical consequences.
Pragmatism achieves Integration by unifying theory and practice, where disparate ideas are reconciled through their practical consequences and effectiveness in action.
Pragmatism views Consciousness as an active, adaptive process of problem-solving and meaning-making, shaped by interaction with the environment.
6. Phenomenology
Phenomenology aligns with the Discerning Phase, as it involves making fine distinctions within subjective experience to understand meaning and consciousness.
Phenomenology views problems as arising from unexamined assumptions or obscured subjective experience, with solutions found through rigorous introspection and descriptive analysis.
Phenomenology's DISCOVERY is a process of rigorous introspection and description of lived experience, aiming to uncover the essence of phenomena as they appear to consciousness.
Phenomenology's influence is primarily in deepening self-awareness and understanding the subjective basis of meaning, impacting individual experience and intersubjective relations.
Phenomenology defines Truth/Reality as the lived, experienced world, emphasizing the immediate phenomenal givenness of consciousness over abstract or objective reality.
Phenomenology's core purpose is to understand lived experience and subjective meaning-making as the primary source of value.
Phenomenology's inherent focus on lived experience provides a framework for adapting understanding to the subjective unfolding of reality.
Phenomenology seeks Integration by meticulously weaving together diverse subjective experiences into a coherent understanding of the human condition and intersubjectivity.
Phenomenology views Consciousness as the primary field of experience, through which all meaning and reality are constituted.
7. Existentialism
Existentialism aligns with the Singularizing Phase, as it emphasizes individual self-creation and meaning-making in the face of ultimate unity/nothingness.
Existentialism views problems as stemming from the human condition of freedom and responsibility, leading to anguish, with solutions found in authentic choice and meaning-making.
Existentialism's DISCOVERY is a process of radical self-inquiry and confronting the "void," revealing individual freedom and the necessity of self-creation.
Existentialism's influence is profoundly personal, shaping individual authenticity, moral responsibility, and the creation of subjective meaning in an indifferent world.
Existentialism defines Truth/Reality as primarily subjective and created through individual choice and action, where meaning is not inherent but constructed.
Existentialism's purpose is to empower individuals to create their own values and meaning through radical freedom and authentic choice, rejecting pre-ordained destinies.
Existentialism champions Adaptation and anti-fragility through radical freedom and self-creation in the face of an indifferent world.
Existentialism seeks Integration through the individual's synthesis of their choices, actions, and experiences into a coherent, self-authored identity.
Existentialism views Consciousness as burdened by radical freedom, requiring individuals to define their own essence through action and meaning-making.
8. Rationalism/Structuralism
Rationalism/Structuralism aligns with the Structuring Phase, focusing on innate logical frameworks and organizing principles of thought and reality.
Rationalism/Structuralism views problems as logical inconsistencies or structural misalignments, with solutions found through rational deduction and identification of underlying patterns.
Rationalism/Structuralism's DISCOVERY is primarily deductive, deriving knowledge from innate ideas or universal logical structures through reason.
Rationalism/Structuralism's influence is in shaping coherent intellectual systems and understanding universal patterns across diverse domains, impacting abstract thought and scientific inquiry.
Rationalism/Structuralism defines Truth/Reality as inherently logical, ordered by universal structures and accessible primarily through reason.
Rationalism/Structuralism views purpose as aligning with universal logical order or inherent structural principles, where values are derived from rational coherence.
Rationalism/Structuralism views Adaptation as the refinement of underlying logical structures to maintain coherence, rather than fundamental changes to core principles.
Rationalism/Structuralism inherently seeks Integration by revealing universal, underlying structures that unify disparate phenomena.
Rationalism/Structuralism defines Consciousness as a manifestation of underlying cognitive structures and logical processes that shape understanding.
9. Transcendentalism/Spiritualism
Transcendentalism aligns with the Holisticism Phase, seeking total universal coherence through intuitive grasp of interconnected reality.
Transcendentalism views problems as arising from a fragmented perception of reality, solvable by transcending ego and connecting to a higher spiritual unity.
Transcendentalism's DISCOVERY is often intuitive or mystical, seeking direct insight into a reality beyond sensory perception through spiritual experience.
Transcendentalism's influence is in inspiring individual spiritual growth, fostering universal harmony, and promoting a holistic view of humanity's place in the cosmos.
Transcendentalism defines Truth/Reality as a higher, spiritual, or ultimate reality that transcends the physical world, often accessible through intuition.
Transcendentalism defines purpose as aligning with a universal spiritual order or higher consciousness, where values flow from interconnectedness and divine harmony.
Transcendentalism views Adaptation as the spiritual evolution of consciousness to higher states, transforming the challenges of the material world into opportunities for inner growth.
Transcendentalism seeks Integration by unifying individual consciousness with a higher, spiritual reality, perceiving all distinctions as part of an ultimate oneness.
Transcendentalism views Consciousness as inherently connected to a higher, universal reality, leading to expanded awareness.